TWC delays publication of apprenticeship rule to clarify process for adding occupations

The Texas Workforce Commission on Thursday voted to postpone publication of proposed rule amendments implementing House Bill 3260, saying staff will add clearer procedures for evaluating occupations that are not on the state’s top‑25 targeted occupation list or the U.S. Department of Labor’s registered apprenticeship list.

Reid O'Brien of the commission’s Office of General Counsel had asked the commission to submit the proposed amendments to Chapter 838 for a 30‑day public comment period. The changes would let the commission issue reimbursement payments tied to on‑the‑job training and employment milestones rather than only after program completion, and require a process for recognizing apprenticeable occupations and certifying training programs, he said.

Mary York of TWC's Workforce Development Division told commissioners the rules will include basic requirements—on‑the‑job training, instruction, and alignment to a recognized license or credential—and that a companion guide would provide additional information about the process to seek a TIARA grant and the occupations that might be included. "We will go through a process to ensure that an occupation or the training program meets those requirements for an apprenticeable occupation," York said.

Chairman Esparza moved to postpone the item to next week to allow staff time to add clearer language about the process for evaluating new occupations; a commissioner seconded and the motion passed. Commissioners were told the item represents the first stage of rulemaking and that staff anticipated significant industry comment once the rules are posted.